Akio Toyoda, chairman of Toyota Motor Corp., showcased his support for President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement at a NASCAR event in Japan. The Toyota executive, known for his business acumen, was seen wearing a “Trump-Vance Make America Great Again 2024” T-shirt and a red “Make America Great Again” hat during the event held at Fuji Speedway.
The patriotic-themed NASCAR spectacle aimed to promote American car culture in Japan, with Toyoda expressing his intent to collaborate with Trump on tariffs. He emphasized that the goal was to make tariffs a “winner for everyone,” highlighting the importance of prioritizing customers.
The event featured a demonstration run of six NASCAR machines shipped over for the occasion, with star drivers such as Jimmie Johnson, John Hunter Nemechek, and Kamui Kobayashi. U.S. Ambassador George Glass accompanied Toyoda, underscoring the significance of the gathering.
Toyoda also discussed the company’s role in promoting the auto industry globally, stating that it was vital to create stable employment and sustainable investment for a country. Following his public support for Trump, Toyota announced a $912 million investment in U.S. manufacturing, expected to create hundreds of new jobs.
The investments included $453 million toward Toyota’s Buffalo, W. Va., plant to ramp up the assembly of four-cylinder, hybrid-compatible engines, and $204.4 million toward the Georgetown, Ky., plant. Additional funds were allocated to expand production of Corolla vehicles and add hybrid vehicle production at its Blue Springs, Miss., factory.
Toyota’s philosophy was to build where it sells, with plans to meet growing demand for hybrid vehicles through increased American jobs and investments across its U.S. footprint. The company’s market share in hybrid vehicles remains significant, with more than 51% as of the third quarter of this year.
